Current Members
Jide Adebiyi
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Previous Degrees: B.S. in Medical Physiology, University of Lagos, Nigeria
M.S. in Exercise Physiology, University of Texas at Austin
Degree Seeking: Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology
Research Interests: The persistent challenge of uncontrolled hypertension in underserved populations; leveraging structured exercise and wearable biosensors to promote cardiovascular health and disease prevention.
Career goals: I aspire to become a researcher and educator, advancing cardiovascular research while teaching exercise physiology to train and inspire the next generation of health and fitness professionals.
Other interests: Playing soccer, cooking, video games and graphics design
Savanna Andra
Hometown: Arlington, Texas
Career goals: Become a physical therapist specializing in neurological rehabilitation for special populations.
Other interests: Trying new cafes, yoga, long walks on the beach and futsal
Xavier Cantu
Hometown: Angleton, Texas
Previous Degrees: B.S. in Movement Science, Texas Christian University
Degree Seeking: M.S. in Exercise Physiology
Research Interests: Effect of rebreathing on prolonged sitting-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction
Career goals: Working in academia and performing clinical research that explores effective interventions designed to improve quality of life and mitigate cardiovascular risk factors
Other Interests: Exercise, traveling, photography, music and trying new food
Emily Dunlap
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Previous Degrees: B.S. and Certificate of Physical Therapy, Simmons University; PhD in Exercise Physiology, The University of Texas at Austin
Research Interests: Effects of aquatic exercise on functional and cognitive outcomes
Career goals: Provide a significant contribution to the body of evidence supporting aquatic exercise therapy, international teaching and the development of a local Austin nonprofit organization that will provide aquatic group exercise for underserved populations.
Other interests: Hiking, camping, kayaking, mountain biking and any outdoor adventure
Faith Lucas
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
Previous Degrees: B.S. in Kinesiology, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Degree Seeking: M.S. in Exercise Physiology
Research Interests: Effects of Buddhist walking meditation on cognitive and psychological responses; innovations in wearable technology for health and fitness.
Career goals: My passion lies in using technology and innovation to elevate health, performance and quality of life. I aim to lead the future of health and fitness technology by utilizing my background in exercise physiology research with the latest breakthroughs in wearable technology.
Other interests: Traveling, working out, hiking with my dog and futsal
Natalie McLaurin
Hometown: Frisco, TX
Previous Degrees: B.S. in Exercise Physiology, Midwestern State University; B.S. in Biology, Midwestern State University; M.S. in Exercise Physiology, The University of Texas at Austin
Degree Seeking: Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology
Research Interests: The disproportionate impact of cardiovascular disease in minority populations; the utilization of exercise to attenuate the impact of chronic diseases.
Career goals: To teach as a professor and contribute to the growing body of research that can be used as a form of medicine.
Other interests: I love listening to music, eating good food, traveling, running and watching movies
David Rodriguez
Hometown: Corpus Christi, TX
Previous Degrees: B.S. in Kinesiology, Southwestern University; Master of Public Health, George Washington University
Degree Seeking: Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology
Research Interests: Learning how physical activity can be utilized to improve long-term health outcomes and reduce risk of chronic disease.
Career Goals: To build a health and wellness company that helps people live healthier, more balanced lives, while supporting community programs that expand access to fitness, nutrition, and health education for underserved populations.
Other Interests: Camping, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, coaching youth wrestling, working out and spending time with family.
Sylvia Zhau
Hometown: Houston, TX
Career goals: Become a practicing physician and specialize in cardiology or orthopedic surgery.
Other interests: Cafe hopping, watching movies, running and futsal
Yanbing (Bing) Zhou
Hometown: Nanjing, China
Previous Degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance; Master of Education in Sports Pedagogy and Training Theory, Beijing Sport University
Research Interests: Cardiovascular health and physical activity in special populations.
Career goals: Contribute to the promotion and translation of research in cardiovascular health and physical activity for disease prevention and successful aging.
Other interests: Competitive standard dance and dance therapy